You understand you’re in a particular place when a state park takes up all the southern finish of a barrier island, and two small islands, and you may discover it with out bumping into barely a soul – that’s Stump Cross Seaside State Park for you.
Situated on tiny Manasota Key in Englewood, Florida, this state park is understood for its balmy seashores, numerous species of wildlife, wonderful fishing, and nature trails.
There are many issues to do in Stumps Cross Seaside State Park which make it a worthy cease on anybody’s Manasota journey, and it’s undoubtedly one of the lovely state parks in Florida I’ve seen to this point.
In the event you’re considering of visiting Stump Cross State Park and unsure what to do, how one can get there, or the place to remain close by, this information is for you. It’s going to inform you the whole lot you want to learn about visiting this idyllic slide of paradise within the Sunshine State!
About Stump Cross Seaside State Park
Stump Cross Seaside State Park is positioned on the South finish of Manasota Key, within the Southwest nook of Charlotte County.
Manasota Key is likely one of the 4 barrier islands that comprise the Barrier Islands Geopark on this space. The opposite three are Cayo Costa, Don Pedro, Gasparilla.
It encompasses 245 acres, and has entry to pristine seashores on Lemon Bay and the Gulf Coast.
Discover a non-public space of your personal alongside the Lemon Bay facet or a slice of sand on the ocean facet with a superb view of the Gulf of Mexico.
Many come right here to benefit from the serenity, fishing, wildlife viewing, shell foraging, and shark tooth looking.
Actions in Stump Cross Seaside State Park
Stroll the character path
A 1.3-mile sandy climbing path takes you thru the low-lying forest with pockets within the timber supplying you with glimpses of the wild Gulf Coast on one facet and the calmer luminescent aqua waters on the opposite.
It’s flat and delicate with solely a handful of individuals passing you by. Canines are allowed on this path, however have to be saved on a six-foot hand-held leash and be nicely behaved.
In addition to the seashores, the path has an abundance of vegetation, comparable to bay cedar, coontie, indigo berry, and prickly pear cactus.
The path ends at Stump Cross, the southern finish of the park the place the Gulf meets the bay.
You may be wowed by the view of close by islands and thrilled you will have your personal secluded seashore to take pleasure in.
2. Go sunbathing and swimming at Stump Cross Seaside
As quickly as we acquired to Stump Cross Seaside, the place the white sand met that lovely water, two dolphins rose out of the water, proper close to the sting of the shore.
They swam and chased fish the entire time we stayed there watching or chasing seagulls.
Stump Cross Seaside is nice for year-round swimming, because the waters are subtropical and heat.
In the event you do go swimming, notice there aren’t any lifeguards or rangers so you will want to be assured and maintain and eye in your youngsters.
3. Have interaction in water sports activities
Stumps Cross Seaside can also be an important place to have interaction in mild watersports, comparable to paddle boarding, canoeing, and kayaking.
There are boat launching websites 5-miles from Stump Cross if you wish to launch your personal kayaks, or you’ll be able to can rent paddle boards and kayaks from the rental store in the course of the car parking zone.
Leases can be found in two-hour blocks, four-hour blocks, and from in the future to a number of day choices accessible as nicely.
The most well-liked route is to kayak alongside the mangrove habitat of Lemon Bay in direction of Stump Cross and out into the Gulf of Mexico.
There are additionally two uninhabited islands simply east of Stump Cross you’ll be able to paddle round.
It was approach too windy after we visited to try this. I hope it’s calm for you as it might be a Florida journey to recollect.
The paddle again to the launch website is supposed to be simpler than the start of the journey with the water currents and wind working in your favor.
Guests can launch a kayak and paddle across the two islands simply east of the park’s land base.
4. Search for wildlife
Stumps Cross Seaside State Park is an effective spot to spy a West Indian Manatees, gopher tortoises, snowy egrets, ospreys, least terns, and different magnificent frigate birds, in addition to Loggerhead Sea Turtles (one of the concentrated spots for these sightings on the earth).
Extra sea turtles nest in Manasota Key than anyplace else on the Gulf Coast, significantly the threatened Loggerhead sea turtle. You possibly can be taught extra about these protected animal species at
5. Go fishing
Anglers will love Stumps Cross Seaside State Park as a result of it has all kinds of fish you’ll be able to catch.
Fishing from the shores right here is likely one of the hottest actions, although a fishing license could also be required.
You additionally want to adapt to the laws regarding dimension, quantity, technique of seize and season as per the Florida Fish and WildlifeConservation Fee. Extra details about that right here.
Some prize catches you will discover listed below are black skimmer, flounder, redfish, sheepshead, snapper, snook, tarpon, trout, and whiteing.
6. Go shark enamel looking and search for seashells
This a part of Manasota Secret is well-known for its shark enamel which wash up on the shore.
Decide any a part of the 1.3 mile of seashore and you can be in an excellent likelihood of discovering some!
7. Have a picnic
There are a number of picnic tables and 6 lined picnic pavilions accessible all through the park, which can be found on a first-come, first-served foundation.
8. Go tenting
You possibly can select between primitive tenting and serviced tenting. There are a number of camp grounds inside the park, although seashore tenting is prohibited.
Opening hours and entrance charges
Stumps Cross Seaside State Park is open from 8:00am till sundown daily of the 12 months. It prices $3 per automobile, however there are further charges for tenting and visiting the museum.
FAQs About Visiting Stump Cross Seaside State Park
What facilities are in Stump Cross Seaside State Park?
There’s a restroom facility, lined pavilions for picnics, boat ramp, playground, parking, museum, water fountain, bathe station, and campgrounds at Stump Cross Seaside State Park.
Are you able to dive at Stump Cross Seaside State Park?
You possibly can go snorkeling or scuba diving at Stump Cross Seaside State Park, however you want to deliver your personal tools.
Are you able to deliver pets to Stump Cross Seaside State Park?
You possibly can deliver pets to designated areas in Stump Cross Seaside State Park however not on the seashore, apart from service animals.
When is the very best time to go to Stump Cross Seaside State Park?
Stump Cross Seaside State Park is open three hundred and sixty five days a 12 months so any day is an effective day to go to. Winter months are greatest for shelling, wildlife viewing, and fishing.
The way to get to Manasota Key
Manasota Secret is an 11-mile barrier island on Florida’s Gulf Coast positioned south of its busier neighbors, Sarasota, and Venice. It’s about midway between Tampa and Fort Myers.
Solely a brief bridge separates it from the mainland, giving much more water experiences so that you can take pleasure in with the calmer Lemon Bay.
The closest main airport is an hour’s drive away, Sarasota-Bradenton Worldwide Airport (SRQ), however Southwest Florida Worldwide Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers is one other viable choice at simply 1 hour 20 minutes drive, if flights are extra handy to there.
Tampa Worldwide Airport (TPA), whereas additional away, can also be a serious airport that’s lower than 2 hour’s drive away.
In case you are driving, it would be best to get onto the I-75, and take exits towards Venice or Englewood to achieve Manasota Key Highway, the principle thoroughfare via the important thing.
The place to remain in Manasota Key
There are just a few accommodations, friends homes and inns in Manasota Key, however one can find extra trip leases and condos for lease, which can be a more sensible choice in your trip.
There’s solely a handful of eating places in Manasota Key, so having an area the place you’ll be able to cook dinner for your self could also be a greater choice.
Click on the map for costs and availability for trip rental in Manasota Key in Florida!
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Remark: What different unimaginable state parks in Florida are you aware of? Tell us within the feedback.